Questions and Answers

Dodge Caravan Front End Noise Q. Dear Vincent, in the spring had intermittent front end noises especially downhill. Well, grinding-type noise eventually became constant, probably loudest around 55 mph. Kept checking for overheating around the hubs, but they seemed quite cool for warm weather. Swapped the tires around, but no change.

Disassembled the front right bearing in late May, but looked fine. Lubed it and reassembled. The grinding sound "appeared" to be coming from this side, which at the time seemed logical since that was the wheel that got quite toasty a year ago when the caliper froze and was replaced. Noise has gotten louder, actually quite distracting.

Now when running on the interstate the sound lessens considerably when you steer slightly, either direction, I believe. Now it's hard to tell what side the sound is on. I'm thinking now it's time to check the front left. I have a 1989 Dodge Caravan for parts. Would it be worth swapping out any front wheel assemblies???

• 1990 Dodge Caravan SE
• 3.0 fuel injected V-6
• 4-speed automatic transmission
• P/S, P/B, cruise control
• 169,000 miles

Thanks for your time!
John

A. I would like to be reasonably certain before swapping parts around. Usually that involves a lot of work with, too often, no gain.

What you can do is jack up the front end and place jack stands under it for safety and support. Do it on a hard, level surface, never on grass or dirt.

Take both front wheels off and remove the calipers. Lock one side with a large C clamp on the brake pads. Put the vehicle in drive. Using a mechanics stethoscope or long screwdriver, listen the front hub. Be careful of moving parts!

I get in from behind the hub and as close to the wheel bearing as I can. If it is a bad wheel bearing, you will be able to hear it.

Then lock the other side and give the other wheel bearing a listen. They should have a fairly smooth sound. If they sound, hard to describe, grumbling, one or both need to be replaced.